Qantas looks to Singapore for new subsidiary: reports
Qantas is reportedly planning to establish a new, premium-focussed airline based in Singapore (The Australian Financial Review, 13-May-2011). The plans are part of the airline's strategy to improve the performance of the international business and drive growth in the Asian region. The Singapore-based subsidiary would be a way to bypass the airline's high cost base and the geographic isolation in Australia, and would also allow the airline to tap into the strong economic growth prospects in the Asian region. The new airline would have a fleet of up to 20 aircraft based in Singapore and operate under a separate air operator's certificate. It is understood Qantas would own a maximum 49% of the Singapore-based carrier, with local interests to hold the balance. Qantas spokeswoman Olivia Wirth declined to comment on the plan.